In a move aimed at combating anti-social behavior, police will soon have the authority to conduct warrantless searches of homes for stolen mobile phones as part of a major legislative overhaul set to be introduced in Parliament. The Crime and Policing Bill, a centerpiece of the government’s “Safer Streets mission,” is slated to become law by the year’s end, according to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who emphasized the legislation’s objective to reclaim public spaces and reinforce respect for law and order.
Opposition parties, such as the Conservatives, have criticized the proposed measures as merely a rehash of previous government announcements, casting doubt on the feasibility of implementing the plans due to concerns over insufficient police funding. However, government officials maintain that the bill encompasses a broad range of provisions aligned with community priorities for enhancing public safety and cracking down on unaddressed misconduct.
Among the key provisions of the Crime and Policing Bill is a provision granting police the authority to enter and search properties without a warrant in pursuit of stolen electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and Bluetooth-tracked bicycles. Additionally, the legislation includes the introduction of “Respect Orders,” akin to the defunct Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, enabling courts to impose behavioral restrictions on individuals and mandate participation in rehabilitation programs as a means of addressing underlying issues contributing to their conduct.
Several other measures outlined in the bill entail repealing a law categorizing minor shoplifting offenses as less severe, establishing penalties for assaulting retail workers, empowering police to seize off-road vehicles, introducing a new offense for spiking drinks, and authorizing judges to issue Stalking Prevention Orders against suspects without prior convictions. The bill’s enforcement hinges on the government’s commitment to recruiting 13,000 additional community officers by 2029, supported by a dedicated allocation of £200 million in funding, although police forces’ financial constraints pose significant challenges to this pledge
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